Academy lads off to Dundee trial

Pictured last Saturday before their trial this week at Dundee United are Lisburn Distillery Academy players Reece Kane (left) and Daniel Wilson (right) alongside Academy Director Andy Harwood. Picture- David Hunter.

“At the moment it’s a great plus,” said the Lisburn Distillery Academy Director. “The Academy is really going through an exciting time at present.

“The two lads set off yesterday (Monday) and after arriving were straight into training; Reece is working with the first team goalkeepers. I work closely with Dundee United and I can honestly say the guys have a great chance. This morning I spoke with Dundee United Youth Director Stevie Campbell and they have done well so far.

“It is also a learning curve for them and it will let them see how professional players train, live and eat – it will be a culture shock for them but it’s a nice one of course and hopefully in the next year or so there will be many more players heading over from our Academy. I have been over twice, it is superb over there and they are looking to link up with us.”

Andy also revealed that both lads will also get playing for Dundee United’s Academy side at the end of the week as he outlined their programme. He said; “They arrived on Monday and they are going to watch the U20 team play against Hibs U20 at the Excelsior Stadium this afternoon (Tuesday).

“They will then train on Wednesday and Thursday, play against Hibs U18 on Friday and then they will go as guests to the Scottish Championship game between Dundee and Morton at Dens Park, Dundee on Saturday.”

He added: “They will be in doing gym work and stuff like that on Sunday before coming home. I hope they do well.”